Law School launches two new certificate programs for LLM students

With the launch of certificate programs in business law and intellectual property law, Duke Law School now offers international LLM candidates three specialty pathways for their U.S. legal studies.

“Business law and intellectual property law are two of Duke Law’s academic strengths. Our new certificate programs offer LLM students the chance to deepen their understanding of these com­plex and changing fields and better prepare themselves for careers as lawyers or policymakers,” said Jennifer D’A. Maher ’83, associate dean for international studies.

Certificate programs enable LLM students to further refine their research and career focus by maximizing their exposure to special­ized courses and experts in their fields of interest. Students can choose from a variety of courses taught by leading scholars and practitioners as well as interdisciplinary programs across the uni­versity. The Law School has awarded a Certificate in Environmental Law for LLM students since 2010.

The new certificates are available to LLM students in the Class of 2015.

» The Certificate in Business Law requires completion of 24 credits in law (21 credits are required for the LLM); a substantial research paper in business law or a related field; and a minimum of 12 credits in courses in business law and related fields. Three of the 12 credits may be obtained from courses offered by the Fuqua School of Business.

» The Certificate in Intellectual Property Law requires completion of 24 credits in law; a substantial research paper in intellectual property law or a related field; and a minimum of 12 credits in courses in IP law and related fields, including two courses from a core list, with remaining courses from an elective list of IP courses designated by the IP faculty.

» The Certificate in Environmental Law requires 24 credits in law; a substantial research paper in environmental law or a related field; and a minimum of 12 credits in courses in environmental law and related fields, including Environmental Law (3 credits) and Readings in Environmental Law (1 credit). Three of the 12 credits may be obtained from courses offered by the Nicholas School of the Environment or the Sanford School of Public Policy.